As part of Education Week, Education Minister George Abbott has announced a $368,000 New Teacher Mentoring Project. This project supports teacher collaboration as a pillar of BC's Education Plan.

The project will run for three years in three school districts to be selected by the University of British Columbia (UBC) faculty of education. Experienced teachers will be paired with teachers new to the profession to offer training and support.

New teachers face a wide array of challenges: learning new curricula, managing student discipline, integrating students with special needs, individualizing student programs, co-ordinating extracurricular activities and connecting with parents, among other duties. Many of these duties are demanding for the most experienced professionals, so mentorship for new teachers is essential if they are to reach their full potential.

UBC, the British Columbia Teachers' Federation (BCTF), the British Columbia School Superintendents Association, Ministry of Education and various school districts will partner in this project, with the ultimate goal of creating a provincewide mentorship program. Participating mentors will receive extensive training and support in mentoring protocols and skills from both UBC and the BCTF.

BC's Education Plan recognizes that we need to build on the many strengths of our existing education system while modernizing education so it can adapt and respond to students' needs. It also recognizes that teachers are fundamental to student success.

Quotes:

George Abbott, Minister of Education -

"Mentoring is already taking place in many of our schools and this pilot program will help identify best practices and apply them throughout the province.

"This program will help new teachers gain the confidence they need to use a wide range of instructional strategies and activities to meet the complex needs of their students."

Learn More:

BC's Education Plan: http://www.bcedplan.ca/

Contact:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Education
250 356-5963